Jackie Reyes, D.C Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (OLA)

Jackie Reyes serve as the District Of Columbia‘s Advocate for Latino Affairs and as Director is responsible for making the Latino Community an integral part of the District Of Columbia Community. The Mandate of the agency, which is part of the Executive office of the Mayor, is to ensure that full range health, education, employment and social services are made available to the Latino residents of the District Of Columbia. The operations of the agency, which has a $3.1 million budget and 10 FTEs. She exercises direct supervision and authority over all components of the office. Works in conjunction with community organizations and commissions in developing and submitting grant and seeking funds from the public and private sector to supplement the budget in carrying the agency mission. Ms. Reyes’ government experience spans eight years of commitment to the growing diverse Latino community in the Washington, DC area. In her last post, she acted as the Latino Affairs & Community Outreach Director for former DC Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One). She has deep roots in the community and a proven track record of success working in support of causes that help the Latino community, from expanding public private partnership to crime prevention. Ms. Reyes has been an important part of the Bowser administration’s efforts to deliver a fresh start, and commitment to create pathways to the middle class since her appointment on January 2nd 2015. While serving with Graham, Reyes spearheaded initiatives to address the needs of the diverse Latino residents in the District. One of the highlights of her efforts was organizing gang prevention events which successfully reduced street violence and crime. She is recognized throughout the District for her efforts to create a safe space for the immigrant community through strategic lobbying for immigration reform. During her tenure with former Councilmember Graham, Reyes secured financing to rebuild the Monseñor Romero Apartments in Mount Pleasant, which was destroyed by fire in 2008. Before joining the DC Council, Reyes served the District’s Latino youth as a case manager at the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and in the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS) under former Mayor Adrian Fenty.